Some thirty people from outside TU/e have registered for Monday’s meeting, says Blocken. “I’ve had reactions from Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and even Ethiopia. But honestly, I don’t expect people from other continents because it’s impossible to arrange a visa on such short notice. A participant from Peru has canceled for that reason already.” The idea is to play a knowledge quiz, followed by questions about the course. The day will end with drinks. “The day is meant to meet some of the students in an informal setting, really”, says Blocken.

It’s clear from reactions on the MOOC forum that the professor is doing a great job. Excited comments are coming in from all over the world, and not just from eager amateurs, either. ANSYS CFD, the foremost producer of flow analysis software, has urged all their employees to join the course. And a renowned Emeritus Professor from the US provided a number of relevant slides unprompted.